Insomnia warning signs, red flags and consequences
Insomnia can really ruin your day. But what is it? Chronic Insomnia is a sleep disorder that causes difficulty falling asleep, problems getting continuous sleep and/or waking up earlier than you would like occurring for more than three months. Insomnia results despite having adequate opportunity to sleep, and therefore differs from sleep deprivation in that it is more of a “can’t sleep” situation than a “won’t sleep” one.
Prevalence of insomnia
Insomnia is incredibly common—in fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to a quarter of the population suffers from insomnia! About 50% of those with insomnia have a long-term case with symptoms for more than three months. Although insomnia is more common in women, particularly post-menopausal women, men are also at risk. Many factors, such as medical illness, psychiatric disorders, and medications, can precipitate or perpetuate insomnia.
Common symptoms of insomnia include:
- Tiredness
- Reduced concentration
- Negative effect on family/social relationships
- Compromised work or school productivity and performance
- Mood disturbances and increased irritability
Sadly, the vast majority of people who suffer from these sleep difficulties do not seek help from their physician. A possible reason for this may include feeling that symptoms are not important enough and can just be “powered” through. There also may be the perception that effective treatments are not available, however, this is not the case!
Insomnia screening and treatment
Screening instruments are oftentimes used to determine whether you have insomnia, and if you do, to gauge the severity of the insomnia. For example, the Insomnia Severity Index is a seven-item survey focused on assessing insomnia in the following ways:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Problems waking up too early
- Level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with your current sleep
- Noticeability of your sleep problem to others
- Level of worry or distress about your sleep problem
- Extent of your sleep problem on daily functioning (daytime fatigue, mood, ability to function)
Behavioral treatments for insomnia are preferred given their low-risk profile and high degree of effectiveness, but pharmacologic treatment can also be considered. However, over the counter sleep aids can have many side effects such as daytime grogginess and glaucoma, particularly in elderly individuals. And of course, one of the most important aspects of treatment is good sleep hygiene, i.e. engaging in habits that are conducive to obtain good sleep.